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President Donald Trump appointed Alice Marie Johnson to serve as the "Pardon Czar" in his administration. Johnson, who was granted clemency by Trump in 2018 and received a full pardon in 2020, will be responsible for recommending individuals who should be granted clemency. 

The announcement was made during a Black History Month event at the White House. Trump also announced an outdoor statue park would be built at the White House featuring Black American icons. 

A Full Circle Moment

Johnson joked that she has her doctorate in “prisonology.” She was convicted of drug trafficking in Memphis, Tennessee, and after serving 21 years, her life sentence was commuted by Trump.

Johnson was convicted of a nonviolent offense but received a life sentence. She would never have gotten out of prison without the clemency issued in Trump’s first term. She expressed her gratitude and faith in the journey that led her to this moment.

“To return back and be able to make a difference in the lives of others to help restore communities, this is--it’s surreal, but it’s real— God does things so you will know that only he did it,” Johnson said.

Reflecting on her journey, Johnson stated, “To go from being the daughter of former sharecroppers to now being an advisor to the president of the United States of America, who could do that but God?”

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New Prison Czar is a Clemency Advocate

Following her release, Johnson became a passionate advocate for criminal justice reform, dedicating herself to helping others in similar situations.

“I helped many, many people gain their freedom, almost 50—I submitted over 100 clemency petitions, and I worked nonstop,” she said. “I worked with Ivanka Trump, I worked with Jared Kushner, I worked with Jerrod Smith, I worked with Pam Bundy—Pam Bundy and I, the new Attorney General, have a very strong relationship and she also can vouch for the work that I do ... so I’m not a novice doing this.”

A Close Relationship with Trump

Johnson recounted how she took every opportunity to advocate for those still incarcerated directly to President Trump.

“I advocated for them right in the Oval Office. It wasn’t me sending him a list, he wanted me to come and meet with him and talk to him, even when we were on Air Force One― I’ve flown on Air Force One with him, and while on Air Force One he told his wife, Melania, he said, Alice just convinced me to set five people free can you believe that,” Johnson said.

Her close ties with the former president were further solidified during a recent visit to Mar-a-Lago, where she reaffirmed her commitment to criminal justice reform.

“Faith has coincided with purpose,” Johnson said.

Ensuring Success After Release

Beyond securing clemency for incarcerated individuals, Johnson emphasizes the importance of providing support after their release.

“I know firsthand of solutions that we need. It’s very easy to talk about people when you haven’t walked in their shoes, and you have a theory about what works. Well, I’ve spent 22 years. I’ve got my doctorate in prisonology (laughs), I’ve got the master stamp (points up) on my life who used me in prison for the women, not only to mentor to them, to also disciple them,” Johnson said.

Focusing on Communities, Not Politics

Johnson acknowledges the political polarization surrounding her appointment but remains focused on her mission.

“I’m not looking to the right and I’m not looking to the left, I am looking to those who need help in our communities, and our communities that need to be rebuilt,” she stated.

With her new role as Pardon Czar, Johnson hopes to continue her work in criminal justice reform and clemency advocacy, ensuring that more individuals are given a second chance at life.